Late-Talking Children: A Symptom or a Stage? Hardcover – August 29, 2014

I wish I could give this book a million stars, and that is not an exaggeration. This book has become my Bible, my lifeline and my source of strength as we navigate the awful waters of having a late talking son that is not autistic but could easily have been misdiagnosed with the slippery slope of the autism screenings/confirmations and for making us aware of the harmful effects of the Early Intervention ABA and PECS on non ASD late talkers. I thank God that I found this book and it gave me the strength to fight for my son and against misdiagnosed labels that could affect his life. If you ever read these comments, Dr. Camarata, please know that your book saved our sanity and we thank God that we found it.If you have a late talking child and you are worried about their lack of verbal speech but you know they are not autistic, but you are worried about the potential for misdiagnosis under the autism testing, which are usually confirmatory rather than differential- before you allow your child to be tested, READ THIS BOOK! Please do this for yourself and your child, be armed with the warnings and with the knowledge to be a fierce protector and advocate for your child. Do NOT just blindly trust strangers to label your child when you KNOW they are not right. Do not allow yourself to be shamed or bullied into therapies that are not right for your child. YOU know your child better than anyone and this book will become your sword and strength as you battle for your child. And anyone reading this and thinking I am going overboard with the hyperbole has never been in the trenches of what I am describing. I have read, underlined hi-lighted, and quoted this book more times than I can accurately estimate.Thank you, Dr. Camarata and God bless you.

My cousin recommended me this book since I have a late talking child. I highly reccomend since it teaches you how to be a good advocate for your child.

An excellent, documented refinement of the books by Thomas Sowell on the same topic. I am 70, vitally interested in children getting the best possible preparation to become outstanding adults, and I have been horrified by the number of children (particularly boys) who have been labeled and had limitations put on them because some 'currently popular experts' think all children should develop at the same pace or they should be 'adjusted, medicated, etc" to fit egghead's definition of optimum child development. Sound like I have a chip on my shoulder? I do, and it is justified. PS - Dr. Camerata and Thomas Sowell both willingly admit that some children do need special help or therapy, but they stand in defense of the many who don't who need time and understanding to develop naturally. To Moms and Dads, relatives and friends of Late-Talking Children, embrace this: You probably know your child better and know what is better for your child than anyone who doesn't know your child but is willing to claim authority over your child because of lots of certifications and diplomas. If you are made to be doubtful about what you know about your child, be strong to defend your child and let them develop normally and naturally.

Pros: Very informative, up to date research, chapters can be read independent of each otherCons: Because the chapters can stand alone, there is duplication in the material. I personally hate repetition, because I only need to read it once to know it and I don't have much time to read. I would say there is about 20% duplicated text, sometimes word for word. There is also much duplication with the book "Einstein Syndrome", by a different author. Though that book came out over a decade ago, so this is more current. Still both books stand on their own, and are worth a read.Overall I would recommend for anyone in the field or who has a late talking child. In fact, I already have recommended it personally!

I only wish I had read this book two years ago! This is the best place, I found SO much information...if you have a late talker, please read this book before/as soon as you can...the information given is full of common sense that rings true, but also tips and specific questions to ask of evaluators and treatment practitioners. It is also full of comfort, to have someone understand all the doubts and anxieties a parent can go through having a late talker. But most importantly, he has valuable tips on how to navigate the treatment/education system to find the best help for your child. He even has important information for families w stay at home parents/homeschoolers. The thing is, we can all spend money on therapy trying to help out children talk, but much of it can be wasted w the wrong treatment or therapist...he helps clarify what to look for....I truly believe any family w a late talker would find this book to be a valuable resource.

This book is such a great resource for helping families of late-talking children navigate the various paths from diagnosis through treatment, education, and beyond school. Being a parent of a late talker, and a late talker himself, this book by Dr. Camarata gives a credibility and perspective that is much appreciated and underrepresented in the current literature on this topic. I have been to the Late Talker's Clinic in Nashville, and they were the only ones after a long line of clinicians to give us a proper diagnosis that fit for our son. Dr. Camarata and his wife are tireless advocates for late- talking kids, and have bettered the lives of so many families and children through their guidance and support. This book finally brings the knowledge and support to a format accessible to all families in need. This book will help you to help your late-talking kid, and take the reins back from the "experts" to ensure the best decisions and resources are being utilised. I especially recommend this book if you feel like your child's diagnosis does not fit, you're having battles with a teacher or your school, or you feel like no one "get's it".